Mr. Nyesom Wike, the governorship election candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was on Wednesday declared as winner of the March 9 gubernatorial election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Professor Teddy Adias, the State Returning Officer and Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa, declared Wike the winner.
He said Wike polled 886,264 votes, while Biokpomabo Awara, the governorship candidate of the African Alliance Congress (AAC) trailed behind him with 173,859 votes. Professor Adias declared the total margin of between the two contestants as 712,405.
He said the total number of registered voters was 3,048,741, accredited voters 1,130,445, valid votes cast 1,102,823, total votes cast, 1,123,840 and voided votes, 249,324.
Chukwunenye Kocha, the AAC party agent said the party would study the results before taking any decision.
Mr Kocha, however, said the party stood for peace.
He urged the people of Rivers and other political parties to maintain peace.
The AAC was backed by the Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi and arch opponent of Wike.
Responding to his victory, Wike dedicated his victory to God and the people of the state, saying he was overwhelmed by the total support and love they displayed during and after the general elections.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said: “I want to thank the people of Rivers State for showing the kind of love we have never seen before.
Referring to deaths recorded in the state as a result of the election, he said “Those who died did not die not because they were criminals, but because they wanted to defend their votes. We dedicate this victory to God and those who were killed .
“They protected our votes and they defended us. We pray God to grant their families the strength to bear the losses. We shall continue to support the families.”
He said that he will run an inclusive government, which will accommodate all shades of interest.
“We have no other state . You may have mansions elsewhere, but there is no place like home. We must come together and build our state.
“We must make the state move forward. We must not continue to de-market the state. I cannot stay beyond 2023, but Rivers State will continue to be. If you believe you are from Rivers State, end this now”, he said.
Governor Wike extended a hand of fellowship to his opponents, saying that nobody won or lost, but Rivers people won.
He added that “We will not disappoint the PDP. We will not disappoint Rivers people. We shall continue to serve.
“If anybody does anything contrary as a member of the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, the blood of those who died will visit them. I will never betray PDP.
“They tried with their Federal Might, but the Superior Might from above defeated them.”